Causes of wandering itching throughout the body. Possible causes of burning, itching in the vagina - treatment. What is itching?

Itchy skin is the first signal that the body is experiencing some discomfort and the influence of various negative factors. There are many varieties of this skin disease, but skin itching without external manifestations is one of the most dangerous of them, due to the absence of obvious locations of irritation and the long-term treatment process.

Skin itching without external signs: concept and nature of occurrence

In order to begin targeted treatment of skin itching, you need to determine it and find out the nature of its occurrence. Itching of the skin is one of the first signals about the presence of irritants (internal or external), which locally act on the nerve fibers of the deep layers of the skin, which is ultimately transmitted to the cortical centers of the brain. The nature of this disease is ambiguous, since there are more than a hundred causes and factors leading to its appearance. However, a reliable and indisputable fact is that an indifferent attitude to the treatment of skin itching is a quick and sure way to transform the body’s local protective reaction to certain pathogens into a standard reaction of the body in the form of a pathological phenomenon.

Scientists have proven that this disease is subjective in nature, since very often patients can be treated with hypnosis without additional medications. Also, many times absolutely healthy people were sure that they had itchy skin. Such cases require contacting not a dermatologist or immunologist, but a psychiatrist and a neurologist.

Types of skin itching without external signs

This disease can occur against the background of many diseases, external stimuli and individual reactions of the body to certain drugs and substances. There are two types of skin itching - physiological and pathological.

The first type is characterized by short duration, locality, low pain, and the possibility of rapid diagnosis and treatment. Physiological itching is sometimes called adequate, since its appearance is a normal reaction of the body to climate change, insect bites, the action of acids or alkalis, etc.

Pathological itching has a differentiated appearance, since it occurs due to a violation of the human somatic system or dermatoses. This type is noted for its versatility (applies to the entire skin), high intensity of itching, duration, atypical disorders of the nervous system, etc. Pathological itching is also characterized as skin itching on a nervous basis, which is associated with stress and deep schizophrenic abnormalities, which often lead to it appearance.

without any signs

Itching without skin manifestations is a disease that can occur due to various malfunctions of the body on a nervous, endocrine, hormonal basis, the body's reaction to medications and external irritants. Doctors identify the following main causes of this disease:

1. Dry skin. People who suffer from diabetes mellitus and vitamin deficiency, who visit a solarium and often sunbathe, or who work on a computer or other electronic equipment are at greatest risk.
2. Aging seniors lose tone, appear dehydrated and lethargic. In women, such itching is observed after menopause, and in men after 60-65 years. The danger of this disease in older people is explained by the low ability of the epidermis to recover, so wounds that arise from scratching can turn into eczema.
3. Pregnancy. There is no doubt that the hormonal background in pregnant women changes almost completely, the internal organs begin to work actively, and the skin in some areas begins to stretch. Due to the gradual growth of the fetus (at 6-8 months of pregnancy), the skin in the lower abdomen quickly stretches, which leads to itching in this area (also called “striae”). This phenomenon can also be observed in connection with the enlargement of the mammary glands, and ultimately the volume of the breast.
4. Skin itching without external manifestations can occur as a side effect of medications. If we consider urticaria, it occurs due to the administration of penicillin or insulin drugs, certain vitamins, ointments and tinctures for medicinal purposes. This type of skin itching is also accompanied by weakness, fever, and blisters.

Symptoms of itchy skin

It is very difficult to independently diagnose and find out the nature of a disease such as itchy skin. Symptoms are the first thing a person pays attention to. They force him to make certain decisions to eliminate the problem. Skin itching without external manifestations is a special type of neuropsychiatric disease, since there are no rashes, redness, or lesions on the body. It is impossible to determine it yourself. However, a qualified doctor, by examining the patient’s body, examining the blood tests obtained and the history of the disease, can clearly determine the presence or absence of a disease such as itchy skin. Photos of painful areas and prior medical reports of past similar problems are additional indicators of the likelihood of itchy skin.

The most obvious symptoms of this disease include: scabies, pain when touching the affected area, spasms of blood vessels, swelling of body tissues, rashes, acne and dry skin. However, the above signs of itching must be confirmed by a doctor’s opinion, since they are also characteristic of other dermatological, mental and endocrine diseases.

Allergic dermatitis

Skin itching without external manifestations can occur as a result of a neuro-allergic reaction of the body to various external irritants. Typically, allergic types of this disease have separate names due to the characteristics of treatment, symptoms and consequences. These include: dermatoses, scabies, urticaria, idiopathic itching. To successfully treat itchy skin that occurs as a result of an allergy, you need to eliminate the cause, not the symptoms. In most cases, allergens are not capable of causing a long-term and sustainable disorder of the body, but very often the immune system cannot cope with the irritating effects of external negative factors, which ultimately leads to dermatoses and urticaria.

Allergic itching can be universal or localized. The reason for the first may be the body's intolerance to certain foods, pollen, feathers, chemical household products, sudden changes in air temperature, humidity or pressure. Also, often the cause of its occurrence is the exacerbation of some serious diseases, such as diabetes, hepatitis, malignant tumors, etc.

Localized itching can affect any part of the human body, but most often it is the anogenital area, where hemorrhoids, worms, candidiasis, and seborrhea develop. Itching in this area is the first signal of the rapid development of the above diseases. If they are treated persistently and urgent action is taken, you can get rid of such an acute problem as itchy skin. Allergies (localized and universal) at this stage of development of modern medicine can be treated in a matter of days with accessible and inexpensive drugs.

Hives

Urticaria is considered the most common allergic disease. It is distinguished by a number of features that make it easy to diagnose among other typical diseases. On the skin, urticaria appears as blisters and red swellings that appear consistent with nettle lesions. To get advice on its treatment, you need to contact an allergist and immunologist, which is due to the dual nature of the formation that this skin itch has. Allergies in this case are not always easy to treat, since the rapid progression of urticaria can lead to eczema, bronchial asthma and even anaphylactic shock, which is fatal.

Itching with urticaria is the first and most reliable symptom of the disease, but satisfying the need to relieve pain by scratching the affected areas is strictly prohibited. The best method of overcoming this disease is considered to be medication. Drugs that quickly eliminate urticaria include: calcium gluconate and calcium chloride solution (used orally), solutions of salicylic acid and calendula (for rubbing the affected areas).

Itching in various diseases

The occurrence of itching against the background of other diseases is a common occurrence, and therefore, to eliminate this problem, it is necessary to determine its cause and immediately begin treatment. Doctors identify several diseases that in most cases cause itchy skin:

They are most often used to treat itchy skin. They are sold in the form of tablets in every pharmacy at an affordable price. Also quite popular drugs are ampoules with calcium-based medicine. Regardless of whether it is itchy skin on the hands, face or in the groin area, the effect of the tablets extends to the entire human body.

If skin itching is associated with nervous disorders, then it is advisable to also use sedatives to calm the nervous system (bromine, tranquilizers, tinctures of medicinal plants, etc.).

Ointments for the treatment of itchy skin

Ointments are the best preparations for treating itchy skin. To select them, you need to be guided by the location of the itching, the intensity of the scabies and the strength of the pain. Ointment for itchy skin helps in most cases, but only a qualified dermatologist and immunologist can prescribe this drug. They come in different types, but doctors identify several of the most effective: “Apilak”, “Atarax”, “Aurobin”, “Belogent”, “Belosalik”.

An ointment for itchy skin cannot always be chosen by a doctor, but also by an experienced pharmacist. However, in no case should you choose such a drug on your own, since there are more than thirty causes of this disease.

Treatment of skin itching using folk remedies

Medicines do not always bring effective results in such treatment, since very often the patient may be diagnosed with chronic skin itching. Photos and other evidence of the presence of this disease can be attributed to traditional healers who quickly and easily select appropriate herbal preparations.

Itchy skin without external signs is treated with aloe juice, wheatgrass root, pine extract, chamomile, calendula, oak root, nettle, mint and eucalyptus.

Treatment of skin itching without external signs in diabetes mellitus

Itching due to skin diseases is a fairly common occurrence, but diabetes mellitus can be considered the most common cause of its occurrence. Since diabetes mellitus causes an insulin imbalance in the human body, the hormonal levels change dramatically for the worse. The first such failure is considered to be the onset of skin itching. Subsequently, it progresses and is supplemented by purulent formations (fungal infections).

The first and basic rule for treating this disease is to follow special rules of personal hygiene, since its quality can significantly affect itching in skin diseases. Treatment of diabetes mellitus is prescribed by a doctor, but at home it is allowed to use certain medicinal plants, such as chamomile, linden inflorescences and strings, valerian root, aloe, sage, etc.

Itchy skin without external signs is a disease that brings discomfort to a person’s daily life. However, targeted and correct treatment will allow you to get rid of it forever without any problems. If we are talking about skin itching due to nervousness, then treatment should be carried out not only by experienced dermatologists and immunologists, but also by psychiatrists. Simple means of prevention have also shown their effectiveness in preventing its occurrence. The correct approach and strict adherence to the doctor’s advice help to cure even chronic itching with complications, eliminate its possible progression and relapse.

The Itch Center has been created on the basis of the Clinic of Dermatovenereology and Allergology of the European Medical Center. Specialists from various fields provide outpatient and inpatient care to patients with acute and chronic itching. During treatment, the patient is offered a detailed examination in accordance with the protocol of the AWMF-Leitlinie (Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) and European protocols for the management of patients with chronic itching.

The experience of highly qualified doctors, combined with a wide range of possibilities and examination methods at EMC, in most cases helps to identify the causes of itching, which, together with comprehensive, individually selected treatment, allows you to achieve maximum results from therapy.

In the literature, the term “itching” is understood as a sensation that causes a targeted scratching reflex. In the scientific literature, itching is also referred to as “pruritus” (from the Latin prūrio – to scratch). Often this phenomenon is one of the first symptoms of not only skin diseases, but also internal diseases, diseases of the nervous system, hormonal disorders and even tumors. That is why itching is currently regarded as an “interdisciplinary symptom” and in some cases even identified as a separate disease.

There are general (generalized) and local (localized) skin itching. Acute generalized - most often the result of food or drug allergies, reactions to cold, heat, etc. Often, generalized skin itching is a symptom of serious diseases: diabetes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, malignant neoplasms, etc.

Localized itching occurs most often in the scalp and anogenital area and is paroxysmal in nature. The reasons for the development of this phenomenon in the anal area, as a rule, are considered to be chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, infections, incl. helminthic infestations, etc. Long-term sensations are often complicated by the development of a bacterial infection, candidiasis. Localized itching is also observed in the area of ​​rashes in various skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, etc.

Frequency of development of itching in skin and systemic diseases

Itching that persists for more than 6 weeks is defined as chronic. Its frequency among the adult population is, according to research, 8-9%. Chronic phenomena are observed in various skin diseases (atopic dermatitis/neurodermatitis, eczema, prurigo, psoriasis, etc.) and systemic diseases.

Itching in various skin diseases

Mechanism of development of itching

The mechanisms of development of itching in chronic kidney diseases are not fully known. The role of metabolic disorders is suggested, as well as the involvement of opioid receptors and increased skin dryness. Itching usually develops after 2-3 months. after the start of hemodialysis, in 25-50% of cases it is generalized, in other cases it is localized. As a rule, itching is most pronounced in the back and face.

In liver diseases, itching is a very common symptom (observed in 80% of cases of liver cirrhosis, in 15% of all cases of viral hepatitis C). As a rule, it begins in the area of ​​​​the palms and soles, as well as in the friction area of ​​​​clothing. It is characteristically intensified at night. Over time, the itching becomes generalized, and scratching the skin brings virtually no relief.

With endocrine pathology, for example, diabetes mellitus and hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands, itching may be accompanied by a burning sensation, tingling, or “crawling sensations.” A lack of vitamin D, minerals, and iron also in some cases leads to the development of this phenomenon. With iron deficiency, “aquagenic itching” (on contact with water) is often observed. As a rule, restoration of normal levels of iron and minerals leads to the disappearance of any sensations within 2 weeks from the start of therapy.

Itching can be one of the symptoms of tumors and blood diseases. Possible mechanisms of its occurrence include toxic effects, allergic reactions to tumor components, as well as direct irritating effects on the nerves and brain (in case of brain tumors).

Systemic diseases that may be accompanied by itching

Metabolic and endocrinological disorders:chronic renal failure, liver disease, diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, iron deficiency.

Blood diseases:polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome, lymphoma.

Neurological diseases:multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, brain and spinal cord tumors, postherpetic neuralgia.

Psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders: ddepression, eating disorders, bipolar disorders.

It is very difficult to answer the question of why there is itching and itching in the vagina. And first of all, because unpleasant sensations are just one symptom from a number of accompanying ones that represent the clinical picture. It is a mistake to think that a problem can arise only if you do not maintain hygiene and lead a rather promiscuous sex life. In fact, this is a nightmare for absolutely every representative of the fair half of humanity. A pubescent woman, a blooming girl, a little girl, an elderly lady - everyone can encounter it, only for different reasons.

Severe itching and itching inside the vagina

Typically, women experience itching and burning in the vaginal area, not only inside, but also on the surface of the skin. Moreover, in some cases it spreads to the labia and. All together this causes discomfort, causes anxiety, and knocks you out of the usual rhythm of life. The person becomes angry, anxious, and loses concentration. Sometimes the problem worsens at night, leading to insomnia.

Of course, the symptom cannot be ignored, but the most important thing is to find out why it appeared.

Advice. If you encounter irritating sensations near or inside the vagina, you need to analyze what could have triggered them. What kind of lifestyle have you led lately, what have you eaten, who have you had intimate relationships with, etc. This information will help you see a possible connection and help your doctor make a diagnosis faster.

It is important for every girl, adult or elderly woman to understand one thing: - one of the signs of a huge variety of diseases and disorders, among which there are both quite harmless and life-threatening.

Advice. We will talk about some medications and offer folk remedies. However, if all else fails and you still have severe itching and itching around your vagina, we strongly recommend that you seek specialized help. Games with health lead to sad consequences, which sometimes even modern medicine cannot cope with.

Well, now let's figure out what can cause this unpleasant symptom.

Itching and burning in the vagina

Often, irritation and burning in such a delicate place is part of a whole range of symptoms. It very rarely arises on its own, in almost every case it speaks of more serious problems. Here are the main reasons why itching and burning occurs in the vagina. Note that all of them are conditionally divided into three groups, within which further division occurs: gynecological in nature, pathological conditions and background diseases of the body, and other irritants. First things first.

Gynecological disorders and diseases

Experts distinguish two large subgroups:

1. Inflammatory processes in the female organs: ovaries, uterus, appendages and the vagina itself. Typically, such diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. For example, thrush. It occurs when the balance of normal microflora on the vaginal mucosa is disrupted, and harmful fungi flourish. It is accompanied by the release of flakes similar to curdled milk, an unpleasant odor reminiscent of mold, and painful sensations during sexual intercourse. This group also includes various colpitis, vaginitis, vulvitis, endometritis, etc. STDs are also from here. You can encounter such a misfortune during unprotected sexual intercourse. Almost all sexually transmitted infections are quite difficult to treat and are accompanied by a whole range of the most unpleasant symptoms: itching, pain and itching near the entrance to the vagina in women, rash, swelling, wounds, etc. Let's name just a few diseases: chlamydia, genital herpes, condylomas, human papillomavirus (HPV), ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, etc. These also include such dangerous ones as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, which are known to have a severe course, and some lead to death.
2. Muscle atrophy, as well as possible tumor processes. Another large subgroup of causes that cause itching and itching inside the vagina. As a rule, they are unfamiliar to young women, arise with age and are closely related to hormonal disorders. These are atrophy of the mucous membrane, vaginal kraurosis, urogenital fistulas (formations that occur after surgery on the genital organs). The subgroup also includes various benign and malignant tumor processes.

However, not only gynecological problems can cause irritation. Let's talk about the second group - background diseases and pathological conditions of the body.

Somatic diseases leading to burning sensation

The walls of the vagina are covered with mucous membrane, which also suffers from any disturbances within the body. It begins to dry out, becomes thinner, and is attacked by harmful bacteria, which normally do not bother you. Answering the question why it itches inside the vagina, we can name the following diseases:

If we talk about diseases that cause this symptom, they are limited to the listed two groups. But there are other reasons.

Why does it itch and itch inside the vagina?

There are so many risk factors that only a doctor can definitely say why the vagina itches after a personal examination and history, as well as after the necessary laboratory tests.

Diagnosis is further complicated by the fact that a third group is added to the listed two groups - which is in no way related to diseases and pathologies.

Itching in the vagina: causes not related to diseases

Causes of itching in the vagina can be, for example, allergic reactions to any irritant that has entered the body or found itself in the external environment. Many women have individual intolerance to certain foods, but it’s not always just them. Allergies and irritation can be caused by synthetic underwear, incorrectly selected intimate care products, or regular soap that a girl uses to wash herself. Often many people think that they are itching inside, but in fact the problem is concentrated only on the outside.

Another point is special female conditions: a certain period of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, entering menopause and menopause. It is important to understand one more thing: often unpleasant sensations are caused by incorrectly selected hormonal pills or contraceptive suppositories.

Advice. If you decide to use female contraceptives, in particular pills, injections or suppositories, consult a gynecologist and endocrinologist. Such drugs contain hormones, and it is better to choose them wisely than to experience health problems later.

This group of factors also includes: improper diets that depress the general condition of the body, an unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits (alcohol, as is known, dries out the mucous membranes), non-compliance with or ignorance of the basic rules of intimate hygiene.
We have described a whole range of reasons that influence the appearance of the symptom. How to fight the disease and how to treat it? Again, only a specialist will give a definite answer, but we will consider the question in general.

Itching in the vagina: treatment

Treatment of vaginal itching almost always involves an integrated approach. The doctor will start by identifying the causes of the problem, tell you what tests you will need to take and what is needed for an accurate diagnosis, determine what is happening to you, and only then prescribe the necessary medications. However, everyone understands that people often turn to a doctor when they have already exhausted ways to cure themselves. This is a wrong approach that threatens your health. We strongly discourage unauthorized prescribing of medications and taking courses of pills. The safest thing you can do to help yourself and alleviate the condition is folk remedies. Take and use all other medications only after prescription by a specialist.

How to treat vaginal itching, and what to do if it itches a lot? Douching with chamomile decoction, carried out daily, will help. Instead of this herb, you can take a mixture of calendula and stinging nettle. You can wash the vagina with a soda solution, and at night insert tampons moistened with melted cocoa and fir oils, cooled to human body temperature. Baths with copper sulfate will be useful. People advise lubricating the affected areas with sea buckthorn oil, and at night using a tampon soaked in this substance.

The safest medications are: Ginocomfort gels, Fluconazole and Pimafucin, drugs with antibiotic action such as Acyclovir or Diflucan. Often, the doctor prescribes a medicine that restores the microflora: Ovestin, Acylact, etc. Do not forget that usually the sexual partner also has to be treated. Now you know everything about the disease: why it can appear and how to get rid of vaginal itching before getting help from a specialist. Well, our portal wishes every woman good health, mutual love and a great mood!
Watch the video for a complete picture of the problem:

The most common reason for visiting a dermatologist is itching. There are cases when there are not even any rashes on the skin, but it itches so much that a person literally tears the skin. The suffering is further aggravated by the fact that everyone around them suspects a simulation or a mental disorder.

And, it would seem, it’s not a big problem - a person scratches himself, and that’s it, there are no specific skin diseases, let him be happy. But itching can indicate very serious problems, not to mention the fact that it greatly worsens the patient’s quality of life. Constant itching can lead to depression and even suicide attempts.

The most serious reason

The most important causes of itchy skin are malignant tumors. Itching may be one of the first signs of a tumor and appear before other symptoms. There have been cases where such a difference was up to 5 years!

Paraneoplastic (tumor-associated) skin itching can occur with any tumor, but more often occurs with carcinoma of the stomach, pancreatic cancer, lung, intestinal, brain, breast and prostate cancer. The whole body itches, but there are areas where the itching is more intense.

With Hodgkin's lymphoma, itching is also one of the most common accompanying symptoms and is observed in 25% of patients suffering from this disease.

If “thanks to the itch” you are examined on time, then cancer can be caught in the early, treatable stages.

Water: helps and provokes

Not as fatal as hidden tumors of internal organs, and perhaps the most common cause of itching is simple dry skin.

Modern hygiene requirements include daily showers. In principle, this is correct, but frequent use of detergents, especially in people whose skin is already prone to dryness (and this problem occurs in large numbers among the elderly), causes drying out of the skin. Soap washes away not only dirt, but also substances that retain moisture. As a result, there is itching, but no rashes.

Stop washing? Adherents of the “back-to-nature” concept, and to be honest, some colleagues (usually with a post-war education) advise exactly this. But bacterial and fungal infections will not keep you waiting, and the smell...

So you need to continue to maintain hygiene, but supplement it with special preparations that soften the skin and retain moisture in it (emollients). There are a huge number of them on the market, and they act in different ways; your doctor will tell you what exactly is right for a particular person.

And further. Some people simply don't drink enough water. Especially old people, whose sense of thirst may be dulled, and due to age, they may not remember or may not get what they want due to weakness (yes, that situation when there is no one to give a glass of water).

This leads to much more significant health problems than itchy skin, but also to that. People caring for the elderly should understand the situation and regularly provide water to their charges.

Unfortunately, as practice shows, such patients are often treated with disdain, believing that out of consultations with specialist doctors, only one is necessary - with a psychiatrist.

Yes, such a patient may also have a mental health disorder. But this does not happen as often as society imagines.

Etiology: announce the entire list

In addition to oncology, dry skin and mental status disorders, itchy skin without rashes can be caused by:

• endocrine diseases: hyper- and hypothyroidism, diabetes, hyper- and hypoparathyroidism;
• neurological diseases: cerebrovascular accidents, multiple sclerosis, peripheral nerve injuries, postherpetic neuralgia;
• hematological diseases;
• Sjögren's syndrome (a systemic disease associated with pathological dryness of the integument).

Therefore, you don’t need to go through it - in this case you definitely won’t succeed. You will only waste time, money and nerves. And the reason may remain unclear. Therefore, please leave the search for the cause to your doctor.

How will the doctor deal with this?

At the stage of collecting anamnesis, the doctor will definitely find out the following factors:

• onset (sharp, gradual);
• flow (continuous, intermittent);
• character (stabbing, burning).

It is also important: whether the itching is localized or “itches everywhere”, how long it is present and at what time it appears.

The doctor will try to detect provoking factors - is there a connection with the patient’s activity (profession, hobby), perhaps there has been unusual physical activity recently, new pets have appeared, etc. Trips and travel, traumatic situations in the recent past, play a role.

Also important is your sexual history and, finally, what you have already tried to treat yourself.

Remember! Applying a variety of “folk remedies” to scratched skin greatly complicates the establishment of a correct diagnosis and the possibility of carrying out certain tests, and contributes to the development of pustular and other complications.

Stages of initial examination

After collecting your medical history, the doctor will conduct a general examination, take your temperature, find out if you are suffering from excessive sweating, or if you have been particularly tired or losing weight lately.

He will examine the skin to see if its integrity is damaged or if there is a “jaundice” tint. He will look to see if there are any “fungal” manifestations on the nails or if the color of the eye sclera has changed.

Assess the state of the endocrine system (tremor, impaired thermoregulation, increased thirst should be on your guard) and the blood system (is there anemia, are the lymph nodes enlarged)

The doctor should also check the health of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. And finally, he needs to find out the state of the nervous system (do you have headaches, paresthesia, visual disturbances, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, etc.) However, this entire sequence can be adjusted during the examination.

The list of tests you will be sent for depends on your medical history and initial examination.

For example, if there is thirst and increased diuresis, you will need to check glycated hemoglobin; if there is heartburn or intolerance to some foods, you will be sent for an FGDS, etc.

I repeat that there is no need for initiative; choosing tests at random, and especially “everyone in a row,” will only confuse you.

Until we got to the doctor

If there is absolutely no possibility of examination, and the itching is intolerable, you can use over-the-counter antihistamines - according to the instructions and taking into account contraindications.

Important! Despite the fact that the instructions for most modern medications say that they have little effect on sleep, alertness, etc., you cannot drive while taking them unless there is a direct phrase “does not interfere with driving.” And the very condition of itching does not contribute to attentiveness while driving.

And yet, given the danger of possible pathology, the sooner you get to the doctor and begin the examination, the better!

Good health!

Leonid Shchebotansky

Photo thinkstockphotos.com

Itching of the vulva or vagina can occur in any woman at different periods of life, at any age. Most often, redness and itching in the vagina are combined with the appearance of wounds from scratching, and this is already a provoking factor for possible infection by pathogenic pathogens, leading to inflammation with the formation of ulcers.

A healthy woman who observes intimate hygiene should not have any unpleasant sensations, and in the case where burning and itching appears, in no case should you engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication, you should urgently undergo examination by a gynecologist. Because treatment with folk remedies without establishing the true cause that caused the discomfort is unacceptable, stupid and reckless. Only a doctor, based on test results, will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Itching in the vaginal area is not a disease, but only a symptom of a dozen different pathological conditions of the female body, indicating that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the body, the development of some disease. Only by finding out which of them arose in this case can you take action. Without a clear diagnosis based on test results, you cannot use douching or use medications in suppositories, ointments, creams (see how to do it).

This will change the clinical picture and the results of subsequent tests will be false, which may lead to inadequate treatment and worsening of the condition. If a woman experiences itching, white, cheesy discharge, an increase in the amount of discharge, or discharge with a fishy odor that lasts more than 3 days, she should definitely consult a doctor. The causes of discomfort can be different - a sexually transmitted disease, an allergic reaction, or the body’s reaction to constant long-term stress.

How to prepare for a visit to the gynecologist?

• You should not use any medications in the form of suppositories or sprays 1-2 days before the visit
• You should abstain from sexual intercourse for 1-2 days
• You should not use antibacterial products for intimate hygiene 1-2 days before visiting a doctor, especially if you douche.
• On the eve of visiting a doctor, in the evening it is necessary to toilet the external genitalia with regular, preferably baby soap and warm water.
• It is better not to urinate 2-3 hours before the visit.

The doctor will conduct an examination, take a bacterial culture for anaerobes, aerobes, and fungi, determine sensitivity to antimicrobial agents, and refer you for PCR diagnostics, RIF and ELISA for sexually transmitted infections. In addition, it is advisable to take a stool test for worm eggs and. This must be done to establish an accurate diagnosis. Only on the basis of complaints of vaginal itching, the causes of which are different, the doctor cannot make a diagnosis without additional research.

The main causes of severe itching in the vagina

All possible reasons can be divided into three groups:

• Gynecological diseases
• Other external and internal factors

Gynecological diseases

Burning and itching in the vagina are symptoms of almost any infectious process in the genital area. Diseases caused by opportunistic microorganisms - their presence in the vaginal microflora normally does not cause discomfort, but when provoking factors occur, they multiply, which leads to inflammation, these include:

Candidiasis of the vaginal mucosa

This inflammation is caused by the yeast fungus Candida (Candida albicans or Monilia), it is also called thrush, yeast colpitis. In addition to severe itching and burning, it is characterized by thick, abundant, curdled, white discharge ().

Bacterial vaginitis, colpitis, vulvovaginitis

When there is an active growth of opportunistic bacteria in the vaginal microflora, most often gardnerella, in addition to unpleasant itching, can be bothered by E. coli or coccal infections - these infections often occur as mixed ones, that is, candidiasis, gardnerellosis, and others develop infections. Before menstruation, discomfort usually intensifies.

Allergy to sperm

Sometimes married women who have only a single partner experience vaginal itching after unprotected intercourse due to an allergic reaction to the husband's sperm. This happens quite rarely and is manifested by burning, redness, itching of the external genitalia after sexual intercourse. An allergy to sperm, as well as incompatibility of the microflora of husband and wife, can be a serious problem for a married couple, as it causes discomfort in the woman, suspicion of infidelity, and sexually transmitted diseases in each other. However, the irritating component can be the sperm protein itself, as well as possible food products and medications that the beloved man takes. To clarify this cause of itching, you should take special allergy tests for your husband’s sperm.

Sexual infections

There are also a lot of hidden sexually transmitted infections, which may not show any symptoms for a long time, but when the immune system is weakened, with an exacerbation of concomitant chronic diseases or previous viral infections, they manifest themselves as minor discomfort, burning, itching. This is possible even if questionable sexual contact took place a long time ago, and unpleasant symptoms arose much later. These STIs include:

• Venereal diseases— The Russian Ministry of Health identifies 5 main sexually transmitted diseases, many of which are common in some southern resort countries: gonorrhea, syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum, chancroid, donovanosis.
• , which very often has a chronically recurrent nature.
• Trichomoniasis, which is also characterized by an unpleasant fishy odor and greenish or yellow-green foamy discharge.
• Ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, such discomfort is also a characteristic feature for them.
• Genital herpes, in which, in addition to severe itching around the vagina, painful rashes caused by the herpes virus cause concern.
• Genital warts or genital warts is a viral disease that occurs in the genital area in the form of skin outgrowths, condylomas, the causative agent of which is the human papilloma virus (see).
• As a complication of STDs, cervicitis, enometritis, and urethritis can occur. Cervicitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the cervix, either due to an STI or occurring after an injury. Endometritis is an inflammation of the uterus; in these diseases, unpleasant sensations in the external genitalia occur due to the release of exudate, which has an irritating effect on the walls of the vagina. Urethritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra, which in addition to itching occurs.

Diseases in older women

The following list of gynecological pathologies is associated with other diseases that may occur in women of reproductive age, but are most often recorded in women over 45 years of age, during menopause:

Kraurosis of the vulva

This is a progressive chronic atrophic process on the mucous membrane and skin of the vulva, associated with age-related changes. This disease is accompanied by dryness, itching at the entrance to the vagina, sclerotic changes in the clitoris, small and large labia, and vaginal stenosis (see).

Atrophy of the vaginal mucosa

Dryness of the vagina, labia and tingling, burning sensation can occur with atrophic processes that appear with age in women. In menopausal women, the glands already secrete much less lubricant, the vaginal mucosa becomes more sensitive, discomfort, pain and itching appear during and after sex. Most often, mucosal atrophy in women begins during menopause, when the vaginal tissue becomes thinner. ( , ). It can also occur against the background of autoimmune diseases (see).

Urogenital fistulas

They can occur after a cesarean section, after childbirth and other gynecological or urological operations. If urogenital fistulas form, this leads to inflammation of the vagina from exposure to urine during urination.

Benign or malignant tumors of the uterus, cervix or vagina

These are polyps, fibroids, fibroids, Gartner's cyst, oncological pathologies of the uterus, cervix, vagina or ovaries ().

Diseases not related to gynecology

Intoxication, which occurs with almost any infectious disease, can affect all organs and systems of the body, including the vaginal mucosa, as well as:

• Any allergic disease, allergic skin rash, dermatitis in the genital area can cause itching around the vagina.
• Itching of the genitals can be a symptom of diabetes (see).

If, after visiting a gynecologist, no pathological inflammatory processes are detected in an older woman, no, diabetes mellitus should be excluded; for this, it is enough to take a sugar test ().

Stress, overwork

One of the reasons may be nervous fatigue, depression, stress, or any prolonged emotional overload in particularly sensitive, anxious women. Mental disorders, serious diseases of the nervous system, such as peripheral or central neuropathy, and any other brain lesions can also provoke itching.

Diseases of the liver, kidneys, thyroid gland

Impaired thyroid function, liver disease (hepatitis), kidney or blood disease (leukemia), anemia, can affect the entire body, including causing discomfort in the perineum.

Helminthiasis or pubic lice

Sometimes helminthiasis causes unpleasant itching both in the anus and in the vestibule of the vagina, so a test for helminth eggs should also be taken during a comprehensive examination (,). Pubic lice may also contribute to this symptom.

Digestive diseases

Diseases of the digestive system, intestinal dysbiosis, external and internal hemorrhoids, anal fissures, can cause pain, burning and mild itching near the vagina, since the anus and vulva are nearby ().

Cystitis

Cystitis, which is a common disease in women, often combined with sexually transmitted infections, candidiasis and often with pyelonephritis, can also cause skin itching of the labia and vagina ().

Blood diseases

In the human body, everything is interconnected, that any disease can affect seemingly unrelated organs; a failure in one system causes disruptions in the functioning of the entire organism. Especially if it is an oncological disease, for example, leukemia, lymphagranulomatosis, as well as cancer of the female genital organs, it may even be in its early stage, which does not yet manifest itself symptomatically, but is already having an effect, causing discomfort in the perineum ().

Other reasons

Listed below are external triggers that contribute to the appearance of itching. If, after eliminating them for 3 days, symptoms of discomfort persist, you should definitely visit a gynecologist:

• With uncomfortable, tight, synthetic, rough, low-quality underwear, a greenhouse effect is created or permanent injury to the perineum occurs.
• Due to exposure to too low or high temperatures, that is, hypothermia or overheating.
• External irritants can be various aggressive chemicals, additives, fragrances found in deodorants, soaps, shower gels, pads, toilet paper, tampons, pads, dyes for clothes, washing powders. There can be an allergic reaction to any aggressive substance.
• A woman may also have an inadequate reaction to vaginal contraceptive pills (see), creams, suppositories.
• Individual intolerance occurs in some women to the lubrication of condoms, to the lubricants or spermicides with which they are treated, as well as to the latex itself from which they are made, this is the cause of itching in the vagina after sex.
• Powerful stress and prolonged nervous tension provoke any malfunction in the body.
• Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene - a woman should wash her external genitalia without soap at least once a day (preferably in the morning and evening), as well as before and after sexual intercourse.
• Poor nutrition. Addiction to diets (vitamin deficiencies and lack of microelements weaken the immune system, impair the regenerative properties of the skin and mucous membranes, which leads to microcracks), as well as the consumption of semi-finished products and fast food, which are rich in dyes, preservatives, stabilizers, leads to allergic reactions. And also a passion for sweet, spicy, pickled foods can provoke itching.

How to get rid of discomfort?

To get rid of itching in the vagina, first, you should eliminate all possible provoking factors - shower products, hygiene products, washing powder, contraceptives, change underwear, etc. Listen to your body; being attentive to yourself can help in identifying the external cause. If discomfort persists, you should consult a gynecologist.

It is especially important to be examined by a doctor after questionable sexual contact without using reliable methods of protection against infections - condoms. It should be borne in mind that hidden infections and STDs are very insidious and can manifest themselves a very long time after infection. In the chronic course of these diseases, it is characteristic that itching intensifies during ovulation and menstruation, and decreases after menstruation. Treatment of STDs is carried out only after a final diagnosis - these are antibiotics, immune stimulants, normalizing the microflora of the vagina and intestines, vitamin therapy, and physiotherapy.

Abundant cheesy discharge, burning, itching, intensifying after sexual intercourse or taking hygiene procedures, can also be a sign of which. In our article you can learn about the disadvantages and advantages of all known suppositories for candidiasis.

In the presence of atrophic changes in the mucosa, which arise as a result of a lack of estrogen and are accompanied by dryness, itching and burning of the vagina, estrogen drugs are usually prescribed.

Many recommend supplementing treatment with douching - this is a very controversial issue, since most gynecologists are categorically against any use of potassium permanganate and other solutions. Read more about douching, its harms and benefits, and whether to do it at all in our article.